Skills gap holds back AI adoption in Mayo and across the west

Research across Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Roscommon and Clare shows strong belief in AI’s potential, but lack of skills, confidence and cost barriers are limiting adoption.

The study, carried out by Amárach Research, spoke to SMEs in the five counties as part of a nationally representative sample in January of this year.

The findings point to a widening gap between ambition and capability – one that risks leaving parts of the Irish economy behind unless addressed.

While 74% of SMEs in these five counties believe AI can positively impact their business and 66% expect it to drive growth in 2026, adoption in the west remains limited.

The main barriers preventing greater AI adoption in the region include lack of skills (29%), fear of making mistakes (24%) and cost (19%), with many business leaders unsure of where to start (12%). More than half (60%) believe they are behind competitors in adopting AI, while 53% are concerned their business could be left behind without it.

The research also highlights that micro-businesses, longer established firms and non-exporters are most at risk of falling behind, underscoring the need for targeted, practical support that meet SMEs' varying needs.

Responding to this need, Google, in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network and Enterprise Ireland, will host a series of face-to-face regional events aimed at equipping SMEs with practical AI skills for business. AI Works will take place in the Radisson RED, Galway, on April 30, and will feature insights from Google AI experts on how SMEs can use AI to drive growth, creativity and efficiency, alongside dedicated AI workshops offering support for founders and business leaders.

Attendees at the event will hear from Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, for a special fireside chat on her experience of using AI to enhance productivity and drive growth for her business.

Karen Stolberg, managing director, Google Customer Solutions, Ireland, said: “What we’re seeing isn’t a technology gap, it’s a confidence gap. Irish SMEs recognise the opportunity AI presents but many are being held back by uncertainty.

“This initiative is designed to close that gap, offering practical, trusted support to help businesses move from awareness to action, and from experimentation to real impact.

“At Google, we are committed to helping people and businesses across Ireland build the skills they need to succeed in an AI-powered economy. We want to ensure SMEs have access to high-quality training, tools and expertise that empower them to grow, innovate and compete with confidence.

“We encourage businesses to register for the event in Galway and take the steps towards unlocking the full potential of AI for their organisation.”

Caroline McDonagh, head of enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Galway, added: “This initiative with Google will bring accessible and hands-on support in the area of AI which can benefit every small business. In a business eco system full of AI noise, they need trusted advice to get started. This is where AI Works for Ireland will deliver as the Local Enterprise Offices partner with Google and Enterprise Ireland to help provide that support locally, where it can make the greatest difference and expand our digital skills offering to SMEs across the country.”

Further information on AI Works for Ireland and registration for the Galway event is available here.

As part of the AI Works for Ireland initiative, Google and the Local Enterprise Office network are providing up to 10,000 AI scholarships to workers across Ireland. Delivered through Coursera, the Google AI Professional Certificate offers practical training across more than 20 real-world AI business use cases, from data analysis and content creation to customer communications. To register for Google’s AI Professional Certificate, visit here. To apply for one of the 10,000 scholarships, contact your Local Enterprise Office.